Halloween is creeping closer by the day, so there’s no better time to pick up the perfect pumpkin to start carving. Though we love the classic jack o’ lantern with his triangle eyes and toothy grin, new pumpkin carving ideas and designs offer a new twist on a classic tradition.
Here are our favorite creative pumpkin carving patterns, along with some tips to make the carving process easier than ever!
Rear Projection Pumpkin
Instead of a ghoulish face facing outward, this design turns pumpkins around to project a spooky sight on a nearby flat surface or wall. Start by cutting a hole in the bottom of the pumpkin instead of the top and scoop out the seeds and pulp. Carve a small face or other pattern near the stem (this needs to be smaller than a regular pattern so the projection scales to the wall). If you plan on projecting any type of text, remember to carve the mirror image (flipped left to right). Place the candle under the pumpkin to project the scary image on the wall.
Cookie Cutter Pumpkin Carving
If you already have cookie cutters for Halloween treats, why not also use them as pumpkin carving pattern tools? Cut a hole around the pumpkin stem and scrape out the guck. Place a cookie cutter on the pumpkin and tap lightly with a rubber mallet until the cutter pierces the shell. Use a variety of cookie cutters around the pumpkin. Remove the cutter with pliers and use a mini serrated saw to cut out the shapes. Try using different colored pumpkins for a varied look.
Pumpkin Bird Feeder
If you’re looking for something a little more simple for young kids, try carving out a bird feeder. Cut off the top half of a small pumpkin and recycle or discard. Scrape out the pulp from the bottom half. Poke some holes on the sides and insert small twigs. To hang the feeder, tie a knot at the bottom with string, wrap four string ends around the feeder, and tie to a branch. Fill the bowl with bird seed. You can also use these directions and a larger pumpkin to make a party cooler, punch bowl, or flower vase.
For classic carving ideas, check out these sites that offer downloadable carving patterns:
- *Martha Stewart Halloween Pumpkin Templates
- *Ultimate Pumpkin Stencils
- *Spookmaster Pumpkin Carving Patterns
- *Celebrating Halloween Pumpkin Carving
Bonus tip: For a final fragrant touch, sprinkle cinnamon inside your jack-o-lantern to make it smell like a pumpkin pie. And don’t forget to save the pumpkin seeds for some delicious recipes!
